Understanding Blackmail and Extortion: Key Differences Explained

Blackmail vs. Extortion: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the words “blackmail” and “extortion” can be tricky because they have similar meanings. Let’s look at what each word means, their history, how we use them, and tricks to remember the difference.

Blackmail

History: The word “blackmail” comes from the 15th century in Scotland. “Black” was used to mean something evil, and “mail” was an old word for payment. So, “blackmail” is getting money from someone by making them scared.

Meaning: Blackmail is when someone uses threats to make another person give them money or do something they don’t want to do. Usually, the threat is to tell a secret.

Examples:

• He used blackmail to get money from her every month.
• She felt scared because of the blackmail letter she received.
• If you don’t help him, he will blackmail you with your secret.
• They tried blackmailing her with a photo she didn’t want anyone to see.
• Blackmail is a crime, and you should report it to the police.

Trick to Remember: Remember “blackmail” with “black” meaning bad, like a dark secret someone might want to hide.

Extortion

History: The word “extortion” comes from a Latin word that means “to twist out.” It has been used since the 14th century.

Meaning: Extortion is when a person forces someone to give them money or something valuable by using threats or force.

Examples:

• The gang used extortion to get protection money from the shopkeepers.
• He was arrested for extortion after he threatened a businessman.
• She called the police because she was a victim of extortion.
• Extortion is illegal, and those who do it can go to jail.
• The politician was caught in an extortion scandal.

Trick to Remember: Remember “extortion” because it starts with “ex,” like “extra” as in forcing extra money from others.

Summary

Blackmail and extortion both involve using threats to get something, usually money. But blackmail usually involves a secret, while extortion can involve any kind of threat. Remember, “blackmail” is about secrets or stories (“black”), and “extortion” is about forcing something “extra” from someone.